Tasman National Park

Tasman National Park is a coastal national park on the Tasman Peninsula in south-eastern Tasmania, about 90 km southeast of Hobart. Proclaimed in 1999, it protects 107 sq km of dramatic dolerite sea cliffs, offshore islands including Tasman Island, and diverse eucalypt forests. Notable for the Three Capes Track, Cape Pillar and Cape Raoul, it offers rugged coastal scenery, significant natural values and Aboriginal and maritime heritage.

Visitors can expect a rugged coastal landscape with towering dolerite sea cliffs up to 300 metres high, offshore islands, sheltered bays and eucalypt forest. The park is centred on walking experiences including short lookouts and the multi-day Three Capes Track to Cape Pillar, Cape Hauy and Cape Raoul. Areas to explore include Fortescue Bay, Waterfall Bay, Tasman Arch and Devils Kitchen, with lookouts, beaches, campgrounds and boat launch points. Wildlife such as seals, dolphins, seabirds and wallabies may be seen.

The Tasman Peninsula has long Aboriginal heritage of the Pydairrerme people. Sighted by Abel Tasman in 1642, later explored by Europeans and associated with 19th-century convict settlement at Port Arthur. The coastal reserves were progressively protected during the 20th century and consolidated as Tasman National Park proclaimed on 30 April 1999 to protect coastal geomorphology, forests and islands including Tasman Island lighthouse heritage.

The park holds cultural significance for Tasmanian Aboriginal people (palawa/pakana) with coastal occupation sites and ongoing connection to Country. It also reflects maritime and convict-era heritage of the Tasman Peninsula and is valued for its natural heritage, dramatic coastal landscape and wilderness recreation traditions.